Take Time Today to Thank a Veteran

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery. Today’s ceremony (11/11/11) starts at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries. The ceremony is intended to honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces.

The Veterans Day National Committee also selects a number of regional sites for Veterans Day observances throughout the country. From decorated parades and ceremonies to military exhibits and tributes to distinguished veterans, today we honor our veterans.  If you or your Caree are a Veteran, our hats off to you.  Do something special today in recognition for a job well done.  And, for everyone else:  Thank a Vet today.

Thank you, Uncle Jerry Tylawski!

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.IndependAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Source:  www.VA.gov

Crabby Old Man

I republish this from time to time because of the requests I receive AND because it’s such a poignant reminder:

CRABBY OLD MAN

What do you see nurses? . . . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . . .  when you’re looking at me?
A crabby old man . . . . . . . .  . not very wise,
uncertain of habit . . . . . . . . . with faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food . . . . . . .  . . . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . . .  “I do wish you’d try!”
Who seems not to notice . . . . . . . . . the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . . . . . . . . a sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not, . . . . . . . . . . . lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding, . . . . . .  . the long day to fill?
Is that what you’re thinking? . . . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . .  . you’re not looking at me.

I’ll tell you who I am . . . . . . . .  as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding  .  .  .  .  as I eat at your will.
I’m a small child of Ten . . . . . .  with a father and mother,
brothers and sisters . . . . . . . . . who love one another.

A young boy of Sixteen . . . . . . . with wings on his feet.
Dreaming that soon now . . . . . . a lover he’ll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . . . . my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows . . . . . . that I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now .. . . . . . .  I have young of my own.
who need me to guide . . . .. . .  and a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . . . . .. . . . my young now grown fast,
bound to each other . . . . . . . .  with ties that should last.

At Forty, my young sons .. . . . . . . have grown and are gone,
But my woman’s beside me . . . . . . to see I don’t mourn.
At Fifty, once more, . . . . . . . . . . . . babies play ’round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . . . . . my loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me . . . . . . . . .  my wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . . . . . . . . . I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . . . .  young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . . . . . .  and the love that I’ve known.

I’m now an old man . . . . . . . . . . . and nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age . . . . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . . . . . .grace and vigor depart.
There is now a stone . . . . . . . . . .where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass . . . . . . . . a young guy still dwells,
and now and again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys . . . . . . . . . . . .  I remember the pain.
And I’m loving and living . . . . . . . .  life over again.

I think of the years all too few . . . . . gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . . . . . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . . . . . . open and see……
not a crabby old man.   Look closer . . . see . . . . . . . . . ME!!

Note:  The poem, actually titled Too Soon Old, was written by Dave Griffith of Fort Worth, Texas.  Griffith is the author of more than 500 poems, which are posted on his website at www.palletmastersworkshop.com.

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.CheckInCalls.com & www.Memoir-Maker

 

Catch a Great Movie about Alzheimer’s

The tragedy of the disease can’t be overstated.  But, the following is a list of movies that handle the difficult subject of Alzheimer’s Disease with tenderness, grace, dignity and realism.  Maybe you’ll want to snuggle up with some good entertainment before our chilly nights pass into spring.  Or, if your loved one has Alzheimer’s, possibly one of these movies can provide some comfort and a few hours of respite.

• Away From Her (2007)
• The Savages (2007)
• Aurora Borealis (2006)
• Sundowning (2005)
• Quick Brown Fox:  An Alzheimer’s Story (2004)
• The Notebook (2004)
• Iris:  A Memoir of Iris Murdoch (2001)
• Firefly Dreams (2001)
• A Song for Martin (2001)
• Age Old Friends (1989)
• I Never Sang for My Father (1970)

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.CheckInCalls.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Crabby Old Man: A Caregiver’s Reminder

It’s time to republish this popular and poignant reminder:

CRABBY OLD MAN

What do you see nurses? . . . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . . .  when you’re looking at me?
A crabby old man . . . . . . . .  . not very wise,
uncertain of habit . . . . . . . . . with faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food . . . . . . .  . . . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . . .  “I do wish you’d try!”
Who seems not to notice . . . . . . . . . the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . . . . . . . . a sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not, . . . . . . . . . . . lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding, . . . . . .  . the long day to fill?
Is that what you’re thinking? . . . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . .  . you’re not looking at me.

I’ll tell you who I am . . . . . . . .  as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding  .  .  .  .  as I eat at your will.
I’m a small child of Ten . . . . . .  with a father and mother,
brothers and sisters . . . . . . . . . who love one another.

A young boy of Sixteen . . . . . . . with wings on his feet.
Dreaming that soon now . . . . . . a lover he’ll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . . . . my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows . . . . . . that I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now .. . . . . . .  I have young of my own.
who need me to guide . . . .. . .  and a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . . . . .. . . . my young now grown fast,
bound to each other . . . . . . . .  with ties that should last.

At Forty, my young sons .. . . . . . . have grown and are gone,
But my woman’s beside me . . . . . . to see I don’t mourn.
At Fifty, once more, . . . . . . . . . . . . babies play ’round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . . . . . my loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me . . . . . . . . .  my wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . . . . . . . . . I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . . . .  young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . . . . . .  and the love that I’ve known.

I’m now an old man . . . . . . . . . . . and nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age . . . . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . . . . . .grace and vigor depart.
There is now a stone . . . . . . . . . .where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass . . . . . . . . a young guy still dwells,
and now and again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys . . . . . . . . . . . .  I remember the pain.
And I’m loving and living . . . . . . . .  life over again.

I think of the years all too few . . . . . gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . . . . . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . . . . . . open and see……
not a crabby old man.   Look closer . . . see . . . . . . . . . ME!!

Note:  The poem, actually titled Too Soon Old, was written by Dave Griffith of Fort Worth, Texas.  Griffith is the author of more than 500 poems, which are posted on his website at http://www.palletmastersworkshop.com/.

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.CheckInCalls.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Heartfelt Thanks to All Caregivers on Valentine’s Day

  You know who you are.  You get up extra early every morning.  You get to bed late.  And, your day is brimful of tasks caring for everything and everyone (except yourself, most of the time!).  Well, to the corps of Caregivers out there, have a Happy Valentine’s Day — enjoy a peaceful cup of chamomile tea, a heart-shaped Dove chocolate, or a luxurious midday nap.  You deserve it.  Enjoy!

all my best to you,

Karen Cameron
www.CheckInCalls.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Still Texting While Driving? Please Peek at These

If you are still even taking the occasional peek at your texts while driving, I implore you to watch these clips.  No text message can possibly be important enough….

Video Clip from the U.K.

And, one closer to home.

with a heavy heart,

Karen Cameron
www.CheckInCalls.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Good-For-You Resolutions you CAN DO!

Forget the grandiose New Year’s resolution that lasts only until your first big challenge with it. (“I’m giving up sweets forever.”)  Committing to something important but manageable will help you, and help you stick with it.  Here are a few examples of good-for-your-health changes.  Pick just one and go for it!

• Quit Sipping Diet Soda (associated with osteoporosis, migraines, and, yes, weight gain).  Start replacing your soda with teas or flavored water (I like to add a spritz of lime, a drop of vanilla extract, or swirl in a cinnamon stick to make my water more tasty.)
• Sign up for a 5K Race (even if you walk it!).  Having a goal to work toward will help you get through the “I don’t really wanna” workouts/walks/runs.
• Get More Sleep.  Subtract 8 hours from your alarm time and that’s your bed time.  One hour before bed time, shut down the tv and the pc.  Make your bedroom a quiet, dark haven for sleep.
• Quit Smoking, again and again, until it’s out of the picture and no longer driving you toward cancer and heart disease.  Stepping down (with the help of aids, if necessary) is the most successful route.

all my best to you in this New Year,

Karen Cameron

www.CheckInCalls.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Just Do It! ….Today

Here’s an inspiring message that I received from a friend.  I think Caregivers, especially, forgo treating themselves to simple pleasures, so I wanted to share this with you!

Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven’t thought about it, don’t have it on their schedule, or are too rigid to depart from their routine.  I got to thinking one day about all those people on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night to cut back. From then on, I’ve tried to be a little more flexible.

How many women will stay at home because their husband suggested going out to dinner after something had already been thawed? (That’s what refrigerators are for!)

How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched ‘Jeopardy’ on television or checked your emails?

I cannot count the times I called my sister and said , ‘How about going to lunch in a half hour?’ She would gas up and stammer, ‘I can’t. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast, It looks like rain’ and my personal favorite: ‘It’s Monday.’  She died last year. We never did have lunch together.

Because Americans cram so much into their lives, we live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves for a time when all the conditions are perfect!  We’ll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Stevie toilet-trained. We’ll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet. We’ll go on a second honeymoon when we get the kids through college.

Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of ‘I’m going to,’ ‘I plan on,’ and ‘Someday, when things are settled down a bit.’

When anyone calls my ‘seize the moment’ friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you’re ready to trade your sore feet for a pair of Rollerblades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord.

My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years. I love ice cream. It’s just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate the digestive process. The other day, I stopped the car and bought a Double-Dipper! If an asteroid had hit my car on the way home, I would have died happy.

Now…go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to…not something on your SHOULD DO list. If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? ….And WHY are you waiting?

Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry-go-round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night? Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask ‘How are you?’ Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Ever told your child, ‘We’ll do it tomorrow’ And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say ‘Hi’?

When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift….Thrown away…. Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.

Life may not be the party we hoped for… But while we are here we might as well dance like there’s no tomorrow!

 

all my best,
Karen Cameron

www.CheckInCalls.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Be Kind, Reap Benefits

Practicing “random acts of kindness” fills one’s spirit with joy and creates positive feelings. Go out of your way today to show kindness toward others.

Ways to practice random acts of kindness:

Genuinely smile at everyone you see today.

Offer to run an errand for another, especially an elder.

Send a hand-written note expressing your sincere appreciation of someone.

Those who practice acts of kindness receive kindness back in many ways contributing to healthy attitudes.

“If we learn to open our hearts, anyone, including the people who drive us crazy, can be our teacher.”  —Pema Chodron

all my best,

Karen Cameron, www.CheckInCalls.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Celebrate “National Caregivers Month” with your Caree

November is National Caregivers Month and Check-In Calls is giving away 3 PREMIUM check-in/reminder subscriptions!  Win a FREE subscription to Check-In Calls, valued at $98, for your loved one/caree! 

Click here for details:  Win Premium Check-in Calls Subscription

Lessening Loneliness.  Providing Reassurance.  Building Beautiful Memoirs.  www.CheckInCalls.com

It’s our Duty. Get out and Vote Today!

Vote Nov. 2

 

Get your caree out today and vote!

Do the Dead Greet the Dying?

Found this CNN article very interesting so I thought I’d repost for my readers:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/10/18/o.end.of.life/index.html?hpt=C2

 

all my best,

 

Karen Cameron

Check-In Calls, LLC

 

 

Source:  David Kessler, Oprah.com

Do a Good Deed by Sharing a Good Laugh

Laughter can play a hugely positive role in the lives of the aging senior and the taxed caregiver.  It’s no surprise that passing birthdays, decreasing mobility and the mourning of peers can dampen the mood of our seniors.  It’s also no surprise that many caregivers are overburdened; can you spell “frazzled?!”  And, research shows that laughter is essential to the physical and mental well being of both groups.  A senior needs to be able to see the lighter side of a tragedy and a caregiver has to be able to inject a bit of humor into the daily routine.

Here are a few tips for developing good humor and invoking that knee-slapping laughter (from the National Family Caregivers Association):

1. Learn to laugh when facing tough times.  Rather than saying, “We’ll laugh about this someday,” laugh about it today.
2. Take yourself more lightly.  Learn to laugh at yourself, at your situation, and at your mistakes.
3. Stop trying to control the world around you.  Some things are NOT in your hands.  What you can control, however, is your perception of, and reaction to, the curve balls that come your way.  Stay positive!  Laugh!
4. Hunt for funny cartoons, pictures, articles and jokes in the daily paper, magazines or online (you can even subscribe to a “Joke of the Day” service:  http://www.ajokeaday.com/scripts/subscription/v1/joke_subscribe.asp.  Create a “fun box” of good-hearted humor and share with others.
5. Memorize at least two jokes.  Share them!

Below are a few “oldies” to lighten your day today…  And remember, “Seven days without laughter makes one weak!” (Joel Goodman)

“Doctor, I have a ringing in my ears.”  Doctor: “Don’t answer!”

Corduroy pillows:  They’re making headlines!

A man goes to a psychiatrist, “Nobody listens to me.”  Doc says, “Next!”

The patient explains, “Doctor, it hurts when I do this.”  Doc:  “Then don’t do that!”

 

all my best,

Karen Cameron

Check-In Calls, LLC

Share your Most Pressing Caregiving Issues

I’m encouraging readers to comment on this post and add your most challenging caregiving issue (as I do below).  Your input will provide guidance on topics for future blogs. 

Relating to my mother after her stroke was definitely my most challenging caregiving issue.  Her personality changed dramatically and, although, logically I could attribute it to the stroke, emotionally I was hurt by her mean temper every time.  I felt a lot of guilt after our altercations; after all, she was “sick.” 

We are so accustomed to perceiving our loved ones as they were (younger, happier, more pleasant, more helpful, etc.).  It’s a real challenge when they undergo a major change either due to aging, deteriorating health, loss of loved ones, or in my mom’s case, a surgery where she stroked out and was left legally blind.  We expect them to behave in certain ways based on how they’ve behaved in the past.  When they don’t, we blame them, shame them, and try to change them (wanting them to fit back into our perceptions and expectations). 

What I learned, however, was that it was me that needed to change.  I needed to adjust my expectations to the new reality.  It’s only now that I see more clearly what I should have done, how I should have behaved, how I could have helped her more. 

But, unfortunately, now is too late.

Karen Cameron 

Check-In Calls, LLC

Who’s REALLY There? Peek Inside the Elderly Heart & Mind

A few times a year I like to republish this poignant reminder.  Elderly may look older on the outside, but on the inside their minds and hearts are as young as they wish them to be.

CRABBY OLD MAN

What do you see nurses? . . . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . . .  when you’re looking at me?
A crabby old man . . . . . . . .  . not very wise,
uncertain of habit . . . . . . . . . with faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food . . . . . . .  . . . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . . .  “I do wish you’d try!”
Who seems not to notice . . . . . . . . . the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . . . . . . . . a sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not, . . . . . . . . . . . lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding, . . . . . .  . the long day to fill?
Is that what you’re thinking? . . . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . .  . you’re not looking at me.

I’ll tell you who I am . . . . . . . .  as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding  .  .  .  .  as I eat at your will.
I’m a small child of Ten . . . . . .  with a father and mother,
brothers and sisters . . . . . . . . . who love one another.

A young boy of Sixteen . . . . . . . with wings on his feet.
Dreaming that soon now . . . . . . a lover he’ll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . . . . my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows . . . . . . that I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now .. . . . . . .  I have young of my own.
who need me to guide . . . .. . .  and a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . . . . .. . . . my young now grown fast,
bound to each other . . . . . . . .  with ties that should last.

At Forty, my young sons .. . . . . . . have grown and are gone,
But my woman’s beside me . . . . . . to see I don’t mourn.
At Fifty, once more, . . . . . . . . . . . . babies play ’round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . . . . . my loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me . . . . . . . . .  my wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . . . . . . . . . I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . . . .  young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . . . . . .  and the love that I’ve known.

I’m now an old man . . . . . . . . . . . and nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age . . . . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . . . . . .grace and vigor depart.
There is now a stone . . . . . . . . . .where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass . . . . . . . . a young guy still dwells,
and now and again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys . . . . . . . . . . . .  I remember the pain.
And I’m loving and living . . . . . . . .  life over again.

I think of the years all too few . . . . . gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . . . . . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . . . . . . open and see……
not a crabby old man.   Look closer . . . see . . . . . . . . . ME!!

Note:  The poem, actually titled Too Soon Old, was written by Dave Griffith of Fort Worth, Texas.  Griffith is the author of more than 500 poems, which are posted on his website at http://www.palletmastersworkshop.com/.

Happy 4th of July from ElderCaring!

 

Celebrating and Remembering the Declaration of Independence

 The Fourth of July is a holiday that most Americans celebrate with family, friends or public gatherings.  Popular culture fosters the belief that the gala is a birthday party for the country.  Flags wave, bands march and bystanders cheer.  The parades are pageants, visible spectacles for all to applaud and enjoy.  After the confetti blows away, what is the meaning of the day?  Commemoration of the Declaration of Independence should be the primary reason for the remembrance.  Other than historically-conscious traditionalists, few appreciate the real purpose.  The real nature of the celebration is to memorialize the Declaration of Independence.  Let’s all be mindful of the wonders of that declaration as we celebrate this 4th.    

 

 

ElderCaring is brought to you by Check-In Calls, LLC

Free Seminar: Taking Care of the Caregiver

If you live in the metropolitan Detroit area, you can take advantage of this free opportunity on June 24 from 9-11 a.m.  Managing the care of ailing family members and friends puts the Caregiver at risk for a host of physical, emotional and economic issues, many rooted in stress, exhaustion and self-neglect.  At this free seminar, presented by an AARP speaker, you’ll gain knowledge, discover valuable resources and tools, and meet people in similar situations.  Empower Yourself!  (.2 CEU)

Registration is required:   CES 0945/Sec. 927101  http://webadvisor.schoolcraft.edu or call 734.462.4448 for more information.

ElderCaring is brought to you by Check-In Calls, LLC

Are You a Keeper?

I grew up in the 50’s/60’s with practical parents. A mother, God love her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it. She was the original recycle queen, before they had a Name for it… A father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones.          

Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, t-shirt, and a hat, and Mom in a house dress, broom in one hand and dish-towel in the other. It was the time for fixing things. A curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress, things we keep.      

It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, re-heating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there’d always be more.   But then my mother died, and on that clear summer’s night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn’t any more.  Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away…never to return.

So… While we have it… it’s best we love it… And care for it…. And fix it when it’s broken…. And heal it when it’s sick.   This is true… For marriage…. And old cars… And children with bad report cards….. Dogs and cats with bad hips…. And aging parents….. And grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.

Some things we keep. Like a best friend that moved away or a classmate we grew up with.    There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special…..who are Keepers!   Good friends are like stars…. You don’t always see them, but you know they are always there.    Keep them close.

Source:  An email I received from a friend and wanted to share with You!

ElderCaring is brought to you by Check-In Calls.

 

Too Soon Old: A Poem

I republish this from time to time because it’s such a poignant reminder.  Often called “Crabby Old Man” this poem was originally titled, “Too Soon Old” by its author, Dave Griffith.

CRABBY OLD MAN

What do you see nurses? . . . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . . .  when you’re looking at me?
A crabby old man . . . . . . . .  . not very wise,
uncertain of habit . . . . . . . . . with faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food . . . . . . .  . . . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . . .  “I do wish you’d try!”
Who seems not to notice . . . . . . . . . the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . . . . . . . . a sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not, . . . . . . . . . . . lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding, . . . . . .  . the long day to fill?
Is that what you’re thinking? . . . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . .  . you’re not looking at me.

I’ll tell you who I am . . . . . . . .  as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding  .  .  .  .  as I eat at your will.
I’m a small child of Ten . . . . . .  with a father and mother,
brothers and sisters . . . . . . . . . who love one another.

A young boy of Sixteen . . . . . . . with wings on his feet.
Dreaming that soon now . . . . . . a lover he’ll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . . . . my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows . . . . . . that I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now .. . . . . . .  I have young of my own.
who need me to guide . . . .. . .  and a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . . . . .. . . . my young now grown fast,
bound to each other . . . . . . . .  with ties that should last.

At Forty, my young sons .. . . . . . . have grown and are gone,
But my woman’s beside me . . . . . . to see I don’t mourn.
At Fifty, once more, . . . . . . . . . . . . babies play ’round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . . . . . my loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me . . . . . . . . .  my wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . . . . . . . . . I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . . . .  young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . . . . . .  and the love that I’ve known.

I’m now an old man . . . . . . . . . . . and nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age . . . . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . . . . . .grace and vigor depart.
There is now a stone . . . . . . . . . .where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass . . . . . . . . a young guy still dwells,
and now and again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys . . . . . . . . . . . .  I remember the pain.
And I’m loving and living . . . . . . . .  life over again.

I think of the years all too few . . . . . gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . . . . . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . . . . . . open and see……
not a crabby old man.   Look closer . . . see . . . . . . . . . ME!!

Note:  The poem, Too Soon Old, was written by Dave Griffith of Fort Worth, Texas.  Griffith is the author of more than 500 poems, which are posted on his website at www.palletmastersworkshop.com.

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Distracted Drivers can Kill Your Loved Ones

I just watched an episode of Dr. Oz where a young man admitted he texted while driving causing a crash that took the life of two innocent people.  He was visibly upset just talking about it and said he has trouble each and every day thinking about what he did.  “It was so avoidable.  I didn’t need to be on the phone.”  He went on to say that before the incident he (like many of us) thought he was a very good, confident, experienced driver and that texting would cause no problem.  He pleaded to the audience, “PLEASE do not use your cellphone, in any way, while driving.  It’s just not that important to be on the phone, and it only takes a split second to end someone’s life.  I know.”

Four of my family members and friends have been injured and had their vehicles totalled by drivers who ran red lights while on their phones.  It’s time to get serious about restricting phone use while driving.  Here are some interesting, and scary, statistics: 

Cell Phones, Text Messaging, and Car Accident Information for All Drivers

• Talking on a cell phone causes nearly 25% of car accidents.
• In 2008 almost 6,000 people were killed and a half-million were injured in crashes related to driver distraction.
• At any given time during daylight hours in 2008, more than 800,000 vehicles were driven by someone using a hand-held cell phone.
• 4 out of every 5 accidents (80%) are attributed to distracted drivers. In contrast, drunk drivers account for roughly 1 out of 3 (33%) of all accidents nationally.
• Texting while driving is about 6 times more likely to result in an accident than driving while intoxicated.
• People who text while driving are 23% more likely to be in a car accident.
• A study of dangerous driver behavior released in January 2007 by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. found that of 1,200 surveyed drivers, 73% talk on cell phones while driving. The same 2007 survey found that 19% of motorists say they text message while driving.
• According to the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, drivers talking on cell phones are 18% slower to react to brake lights. They also take 17% longer to regain the speed they lost when they braked.
• The majority of Americans believe that talking on the phone and texting are two of the most dangerous behaviors that occur behind the wheel. Still, as many as 81% of drivers admit to making phone calls while driving.
• The number of crashes and near-crashes linked to dialing is nearly identical to the number associated with talking or listening. Dialing is more dangerous but occurs less often than talking or listening.
• Studies have found that texting while driving causes a 400% increase in time spent with eyes off the road.

Click to view a British Public Service Announcement on texting while driving  (WARNING:  Very Graphic) :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0ukd7xTQ9g 

Caregivers:  Your loved ones are counting on you.  Be there for them; PLEASE don’t phone and drive.

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